By Mark Elkington
MADRID, Oct 30 - Osasuna returned to the top of
the Primera Liga with a 2-0 home win over Espanyol on Sunday
while the inspirational Ronaldinho helped to push champions
Barcelona up to second after a 5-0 rout of Real Sociedad.
Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho scored twice after setting up
Dutch midfielder Mark van Bommel for the opening goal.
Carles Puyol and Swedish striker Henrik Larsson were also on
target at the Nou Camp. Sociedad had striker Gari Uranga sent
off after 69 minutes.
Barca coach Frank Rijkaard did not want to single out any
one player for praise.
"The best thing at the moment is the team spirit," Rijkaard
told reporters. "I want to congratulate the players for their
attitude and the way different players are making the most of
their opportunities.
"It is our consistency that is making the difference."
Osasuna lead with 21 points, two clear of Barcelona and
three ahead of Real Madrid who beat Real Betis 2-0 on Saturday.
Espanyol's Cameroon keeper Carlos Kameni had a game to
forget and was at fault for both Osasuna goals.
After 29 minutes, David Lopez's cross-cum-shot from the
right flank seemed to be covered when Kameni caught it under the
bar.
But the linesman flagged for a goal after Kameni's momentum
appeared to carry him and the ball over the line.
HARMLESS BALL
Kameni then air-kicked a harmless ball in his area after 71
minutes, allowing Pierre Webo to collect and square for Inaki
Munoz to score.
Fourth-placed Getafe lost 1-0 at Deportivo Coruna, Diego
Tristan netting after 25 minutes.
Getafe are level with Celta Vigo on 17 points but have a
superior goal difference.
Celta drew 1-1 at bottom club Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
Villarreal, Sevilla, Deportivo Coruna, Valencia and Real
Sociedad have 16 points.
Ronaldinho picked out van Bommel's late run to the edge of
the area after 18 minutes and the Dutchman rifled a volley into
the corner of the net.
The Brazilian doubled the lead in the 36th minute, playing a
one-two with van Bommel before firing a vicious low shot inside
the post.
Ronaldinho put the game beyond Sociedad with a free kick
from the edge of the area on 60 minutes.
Uranga earned his second yellow card before Puyol headed in
the fourth goal following a corner.
Second-half substitute Larsson made it 5-0 near the end
after Silvinho's cross was allowed to bounce in the area,
leaving him free to score at the far post.